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DESCRIPTIVE ILLUSTRATED 




a U 




iTKINS" 




AND ITS 



krouniJings. 



AJ.MICHENER, 



PROPRIETOR. 





WATKINS GLEN AND GLEN MOUNTAIN HOUSE, 



De^(^Fiptiue Guide Bool^ 



Wathins Qlen 



J^IeaF Village of Watl^ins— Jlead of Seneea Liaise, 
Schuyler Gounty, J^l. Y. 



^oman!i(^ -SuFFounding: 



NINTH EDITION, CORRECTED AND REVISED 
BY A. J. MICHENER 



'-i^ '='v 



.74 1886 



PRESS OF AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE 

721 TO 727 JAYNE STREET 

PHILADELPHIA 




On thy fair bosom, silver lake, 
^v^ The wild swan spreads his snowy sai 

And round his breast the ripples break 
As down he bears before the gale. 

On thy fair bosom, waveless stream, 
The dipping paddle echoes far. 
And flashes in the moonlight gleam. 
And bright reflects the polar star. 

The waves along thy pebbly shore. 

As blows the north wind, heave their foam. 
And curl around the dashing oar, 

• As late the boatman hies him home. 



How sweet, at set of sun, to view 

Thy golden mirror spreading wide. 

And see the mist of mantling blue 

Float round the distant mountain's side. 



At midnight hour as shines the moon, 
A sheet of silver spreads below, 

And swift she cuts, at highest noon. 

Light clouds, like wreaths of purest snow. 

On thy fair bosom, silver lake. 

Oh ! I could ever sweep the oar. 

When early birds at morning wake, 
And evening tells us toil is o'er. 

Pf.rcivai. 




PIRST in order, a short general description of the Glen and its 
surroundings may be interesting to the reader. 

Watkins Glen, near the village of Watki^ns — named after its 
founder, Dr. Samuel Watkins, a native of England — was embraced 
through its entire length of more than three miles, in the ''Watkins 
and Flint purchase." This tract was obtained from the Indians, 
nearly a century ago, and covered a " large tract of country " around 
the head of Seneca Lake. 

The idea of unsealing this mysterious " Book of Nature" and 
opening its successive pages to the eyes of the "outer world" was 
conceived in 1863, by one M. Ells, a journalist and resident of 
Watkins, who deserves great credit for the measures he took to carry 
out his plan, by the construction of pathways and railings ; building 
staircases, bridges, and a miniature chalet on the site of the present 
one (the Swiss Cottage), called the " Evergreen," and by announcing 
through the press of the surrounding country that on and after the 4th 
day of July, 1863, Watkins Glen would be open as a summer resort 
for visitors, and a claimant for a share of the favors annually bestowed 
upon Niagara, Saratoga, the White Mountains, the Catskills, the 
Thousand Islands, &c., &c. The popular response far exceeded the 
most sanguine expectations. From 8,000 to 10,000 persons visited 
the Glen during the balance of that season ; and the number has con- 



VATKINSGLEN 




tinned to increase annually from that time to the present, from all 
se:tions of the United States and Canadas, including many from the 
Old World. This extraordinary popularity of the Glen was due, not 
alone to the beauty, magnificence and grandeur of its scenery ; but to 
the generous courtesy of the newspaper and magazine press, which 
gave it a world-wide notoriety, in a brief time, that would have 
required many years to accomplish ; and acknowledgments are due 
for their services in bringing before the world one of the many charm- 
ing and romantic scenic wonders for which our favored country is 
becoming justly celebrated throughout the civilized world. 

Watkins Glen has become so widely known, and the number of 
yearly visitors so great, the necessity of a descriptive Guide Book has 
been greatly felt, and the many inquiries for such a work led to the 
preparation of this. 

The writer has endeavored to meet the wants of the visitor by 
giving a simple description of the scenery of this wonderful Glen 
without attempting to embellish as fully as its merits deserve — only 
making it a guide-book, pointing out the various objects of interest, in 
order that all maybe seen, and the services of a "living guide" 
rendered unnecessary. The heights, distances, &c., have been given 
from the most reliable estimates ; for, owing to the peculiar conforma- 
tion of this locality, actual measurement is impracticable. They may 
not in all cases be exact, but are generally correct. 

'Many visitors are surprised and inconvenienced by not knowing the 
kind of dress that should be worn through the Glen. It is frequently 
necessary to use the hand in climbing the stairways, and consequently 
a long dress is inconvenient to manage. In many places the paths are 
quite narrow, bordered by ferns and mosses that collect moisture, for 
which long skirts are unsuited. The less there is to encumber the free 
use of the feet and arms, the better; long cloaks, shawls, parasols, &c., 
are inconvenient and superfluous, and should be left at the Manager's 
office by the Iron Suspension Bridge on the upward trip. 

The dress should be of woolen material, for even in the mid-sum- 
mer the Glen is cool. Waterproof suits for both ladies and gentlemen 
can be had at the Manager's office, by the Iron Suspension Bridge. 



im}^'^h^i^^^*^.^}^^^^,mmmm^mimm^m\mmiim^simm^ 



^KI^-lSj . VATKINS GLEN [Hie 






It matters loss about suitable dress tor gontleuion. Any hat will do. 
but ono tliat will not he injured by an oecasional drop of water is the 
best. Silk hats are the only articles liable to suffer much from the trip. 

In passing through the Glen, it is not well to wander from the 
regular path, as a desire to explore new localities, or obtain a view 
from some ditVicult point, niiglit be attended with danger. And here, 
a word of caution, \isitors will observe placards at several places, 
warning them not to throw stones into the Glen. Many do this to 
hear the noise made by the stones, crashing down through the trees 
and over tlie rocks. The reasons whv it should not be allowed are 
obvious. We would also like to sa\ a word with regard to those who 
are ambitious to immortalize themselves by carving their names and 
dates of their visitation upon the tace of the rocks, staircases, bridges, 
trees. \;c.. that it is "expressly tbrbidilen." 

ric-nic parties are respectfully requested not to strew paper, egg- 
shells, and the remains of their repasts, in conspicuous places along 
the pathways in the Glen, or where they will mar the beauties of the 
scenery. 

The best time tor visiting the Glen is between the first of June 
and the first of November. 

We would advise visitors going through the Glen to take advantage 
of all the seats and every convenient place tor rest. The scenery fills 
them with wonder, and causes so much eagerness to press on to the 
end. the air is so invigorating, and the jaunt affords so much pleasure, 
that they are apt to entirely forget bodily fatigue, and experience upon 
coming out into the world again a kind of reaction that convinces 
them thev are verv much exhausted. 







11 « Wafkips Gler) « 



t^ 




^yif FEW years 
^ ago but little 
was known 
of this picturesque and inter- 
esting Summer resort beyond 
the confines of the county in 
which it is located. To-day it is 
renowned the world over for its 
wonderful scenery ; and, differing 
in all its characteristics from any 
other remarkable locality of natural 
interest, it has as distinct an individual- 
ity as the Falls of Niagara or the Mam- 
moth Cave. 
It consists properly of a number of glens 
or sections rising one above another, forming 
a series of rocky arcades, galleries and grot- 
toes, subterranean at times, and again widen- 
ing out into vast amphitheatres, presentmg a 
beautiful combination picture of glen, moun- 
tain, lake and valley, now famous for contain- 
ing the "Great Natural Wonder," which is 
'1 d located near the head of Seneca Lake, in the 

outskirts of the village of Watkins, in Schuyler Co., N. Y. 

It comprises a superficial area of nearly five hundred acres ; its 
general course is east and west ; its tortuous length extends over three 
miles, and its total ascent to the summit of the mountain above- is 
eight hundred feet. 



^H 



V ATKINS GLEN 




It forms the channel for a limpid stream which, bubbling out from 
mountain springs, threads its sinuous way through gorge and dell ; 
now tumbling madly from lofty heights into the depths of a foam-crested 
whirlpool ; now breaking in shimmering cascades above some pellucid 
pool shaded by moss-grown rocks, then, winding like a silver thread 






*~^^ 



■^ 






SENECA LAKE. 



through the rank leafage of some 
narrow vale, it flashes in the 
sunlight and winds quietly across 
the level valley, as though tired 
from its angry and tortdous pas- 
sage through the Glen, it was 
now resting, idly reflecting the 
sunbeams before taking its final 
r.^P^;y r^,-\^^^^-'^r'= submergence in the cool depths 

of " Seneca Lake," half a mile beyond. Watkins is on the Northern 
Cenrral R. R., which connects at C.inandaigua with the New York 
Central; at Elmira, with the New York, Lake Erie & Western (old 
Erie), Lehigh Valley and Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroads ; 




and at Harrisburg with the Pennsylvania Railroad ; while the Syracuse, 
Geneva & Corning R. R. crosses the Glen near its most westerly 
terminus. It is twenty miles from Elmira and forty from Geneva. 

The latter is reached by a line of steamers, running from Geneva 
to Watkins, over Seneca Lake, touching at all points. This is a 
delightful way of reaching the Glen from the north, as the scenery of 
this beautiful lake is equal to anything on the continent. The steam- 
boats of this line are large, elegantly fitted up, commanded by polite 
and efficient officers, and every attention is paid to the convenience 
and comfort of the passengers. It will be seen, therefore, that Watkins 
Glen is accessible from all directions. 

The following detailed description of a tour of the Glen is here- 
with presented in such a manner that the visitor may find it a material 
guide in pointing out many things which might escape notice. 

Passing up Franklin Street from the railroad station or steamboat 
landing, a few minutes' walk brings us to the entrance and, turning 
from the street, we enter the defile between the guarding hills, and the 
first object that attracts our attention as we commence our pilgrimage 
is a vast, rocky 

ENTRANCE AMPHITHEATRE, 

the walls of which rise on either side nearly two hundred feet above 
our heads. Ahead of us the walls almost meet, and farther passage 
seems barred, with the exception of a narrow rift in the rocks, as if 
they had, by some mighty power, been torn asunder. Here stood an 
old building that served for both saw and grist mill, before the romantic 
genius of an "Ells" had developed the many attractions hidden 
beyond. 

Before proceeding, however, we pass beneath and around the 
base of the overhanging rocks, where we obtain a fine view of one of 
the wildest scenes of the Glen — called the 

ENTRANCE CASCADE, 

which is a narrow thread of water, shooting out from an angle in the 
rocks eighty feet above, and dashing into a dark, cavernous pool of 
Tinknown depth below. At our feet slumbers the Trout Pool, broad, 




V ATKINS GLEN 







deep, clear and irregular in form, so named from the immense number 
of the finny tribe which come up from the lake during high water in 
the spring and early summer. 




rRANCE STAIRCASE. 



We now ascend a strong and secure staircase and find ourselves. 
in what is called 




GLEN ALPHA. 

As we continue, we observe the channel makes a sharp turn to 
the left, which accounts for the apparent obstruction. At the head 
of the staircase is a little bridge spanning the chasm, known as 

SENTRY BRIDGE. 

where we pause a few moments to rest, and take a look through the 
amphitheatre we have just left, and down through the jagged edges of 
rock to the deep blue basin, broken into circling ripples by the falling 
column of water, out across the smiling valley to the green hills beyond. 

Here, for the first time, the delightful sensation produced by the 
invigorating and inspiring atmosphere, as it draws down through the 
Glen, steals over us. Its shadowy recesses are natural reservoirs of 
eternal coolness, and even in the severity of dog-days furnisli a most 
grateful retreat from the heat of the outer world. The air is cool, 
fresh and bracing, laden with sweet odors, the fragrance of many 
flowers. 

Looking upward from the point where we now stand, what a sight 
bursts upon us ! Towering and irregular cliffs of dark rock, angular 
and sullen, rise one above another till they appear to meet in the 
clouds, and seem to forbid approach ! 

At' numerous places in the Glen we pause, and wonder how it is 
possible to go much farther, as the way appears impassable, and the 
distance so inaccessible ; but as we advance the path always opens, and 
gives far more interest to the ascent than though we could clearly mark 
our way before us. 

Crossing Sentry Bridge, we ascend a short flight of steps on the 
south side, and before us lies a pathway cut in the solid rock, leading 
along under the overhanging cliffs, a few feet above the stream. We 
are now fairly in 

STILLWATER GORGE. 

where the various hues and tints of the rock, the eccentric combination 
of curves and angles, seem as if nature had endeavored to see what 
wildly grotesque and yet beautiful images she could produce. 
We now catch a glimpse of the second cascade, called 

13 




VAT KINS GLEN 






MINNEHAHA 

which is beautiful, irregular, and yet full of grace. The water, broken 
several times in its fall, is dashed into foam and spray which forms a 
brilliant contrast to the 
dark, rocky surroundin 

About one hundred fee 
beyond Minnehaha is the 

FAIRY CASCADE, 

which, with one graceful 
bound, leaps into 

NEPTUNE'S POOL. 

Following the path \\i 
come to a rustic seat, from 
which a charming view 
obtained in bothdirectioi;^ 
Looking up from this point 
the view is called 

CAVERN GORGE, 

andforwild- 
n e s s and 
grandeur i^ 
unsurpassec 
byanyin thi 
Glen. 

And heu 
it would bt. 
well to ad 
vise visitor^ 
not to pi ess 
on too eager- 
ly, but to 
proceed de 
liberate]}, 
and f r e - 
quently look back, as in many cases the views we have passed are the finest. 

14 




MINNEHAHA. 



Looking forward at the 
narrow gorge we are about 
entering, we see a stair- 
case above us, and beyond 
that still another, almost 
perpendicular in its posi- 
tion, and of great height. 
This portion of the Glen 
is called 

THE LABYRINTH, 

and the channel of the 
stream here is very narrow. 
A little farther under tlie 
shelving cliffs of rock, and 
we are at the foot of the 
Long Staircase referred to, 
which leads to the top of 
the north cliff. Here we 
are in a strangely wild and 
interesting place. If we 
pass by a little way, before 
ascending the Staircase, 
we find ourselves in a cav- 
ern, almost circular in 
form, dark and damp, _..^^^__ 
called the Grotto, directly ^'-' — -- 
behind the sheet of water. No nii. 
should fail to visit this weird ( li>unl 
Here the 

CAVERN CASCADE 

leaps from the rocks above, down si\t\ 
feet, in a single column, not altogether unlike the 
Entrance Cascade, but much grander. The rocky 
walls of the Grotto reverberate the echoes of the 
falling water until the sound is fairly deafening, and 




Cavern cascade. 



15 



the light of 
the '"outer 
\\- o r I d " 
gleaming 
t h r o u g h 
the trans- 
parent 
stream in 
fr on t o f 
you, gives 
it the ap- 
pear a n ce 
of molten 
silver. Re- 
turning to 
the stair- 
case, the 
downward 
view from 
the foot of 
w h ic h is 
called 
^\'hirlwind 
Gorge, we 
ascend 
nearly one 
hundred 
feet, and 
are glad to 
avail our- 
selves of 
the rustic 
seat at tiie 
top. The 
.V i e w had 
from the 
head of the 
staircase, is 
called 




HE n-ROTTO 



vaTkins glen 



THE VISTA, 

and the effect is very fine. After emerging from the dark chasm, we 
see before us silvery cascades, quiet pools and moss-garnished walls, 
overarched by stately forest trees and thick shrubbery, with a broad 
light flooding the distance ; and far above through the emerald foliage, 
like a web of gossamer, is seen the beautiful Iron Bridge spanning the 
Glen. 

We are forcibly impressed with the beauty of the foliage, which 
appears all the brighter as we emerge from the dark recesses of the 
Glen. It is a singular fact, that nowhere upon the American Continent 
can such a range of vegetation be found within such narrow limits. 
On the northern slopes in sheltered nooks protected from the winds, 
and in a great measure from frost and snow, exposed to the warm rays 
of the sun, the vegetation is almost tropical. Especially among the 
lower orders, plants are here found that are indigenous to Tennessee 
and the Carolinas. The fern family is largely represented, and some 
of the most beautiful specimens are found. Many of the varieties 
attam a degree of luxuriance that astonishes the student familiar with 
them. Exposed to the keen north winds, high up on the southern 
cliffs, plants are found that belong far to the north. Stunted firs, 
mosses and lichens, that are rarely seen south of the Hudson's Bay 
country, are here represented. After a refreshing rest we again start 
upon our journey, and bearing gently to the left, by a "new" path- 
way, strong and elegant stairway broken by platforms, recently 
erected, along the verge of the gorge, where the wildness of the 
scenery is truly impressive, we find ourselves standing gazing into 
what was formerly known as 

"glen OBSCURA," 
but which, by the great improvements above referred to, is as accessible 
as any portion of the Glen. By a short flight of steps from this plat- 
form we come upon the veranda of the building known as the 

"SWISS COTTAGE," 

(only needing rhe stones upon the roof to make it an exact copy of 
the "Chalets" found among the mountains, lakes, and glens of 
Switzerland) erected upon the site originally occupied by the " Ever- 

17 




SWISS CHALET. 



^^gaag^ !l.^l.■J;■!f.l^^^7^^■J^iM^a^v■1lfl ! , ■ . ! .raK™EBl^ ffB^^M 



II V ATKINS GLEN 



green" before mentioned, and now forming a portion of the Glen 
Mountain House. It is perched on a sort of natural shelf, loo feet 
above the level of the stream, and 200 feet above the level of Glen 
Alpha, overlooking The Vista, and nestling among the trees and 
shrubbery. When we reflect upon the labor attendant upon getting 
the timbers and lumber used in the construction of buildings, stair- 
cases and bridges to their present position — it being impossible to use 
horses for the purpose — and that thousands of feet of the pathways^ 
and many of the stairs, are cut in the solid rock, and that hundreds of 
obstructions and threatening masses ot stone had to be removed, we 
see that patience and indefatigable perseverance have surmounted all 
difficulties. 

From the veranda of the Swiss Cottage is had a fine view of the 
main building known as the Glen Mountain House, the only hotel 
connected with the Glen. It is very romantically located, well 
furnished and provided with all the modern comforts and conveniences 
found in any first-class hotel. All visitors to the Glen are welcome 
to inspect its spacious apartments, rest upon its delightfully cool 
piazzas, or indulge in any of the amusements provided on the grounds 
or in the " Amusement Hall." (See page 44.) 

From the promenades on the verandas of the Swiss Cottage and 
the bridge across the Glen, we have several fine views of the gorge, 
the winding stream and the cascades above and below. 

A few rods above the Mountain House Capt. Jas. Hope, late of 
82, Fifth Avenue, New York, has erected an 

ART GALLERY, 

which contains a superb collection of more than one hundred of his 
finest and most celebrated paintings. Here can be seen some of the 
leading beauties in Watkins Glen and its surroundings ; also views in 
New England, Virginia, California, Europe, etc., etc., chief among 
which are his celebrated pictures of 

RAINBOW FALLS 

in Watkins Glen, and his great historical painting of the 

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 

Visitors can spend many a pleasant hour here, and no one should 




V ATKINS 6LEN ^^ 




fail to see this splendid collection. Our way now lies through the 
woods by a shaded path, and is called 

SYLVAN GORGE. 

which was until recently inaccessible, and is one of the wildest, most 

beautiful and interesting portions 
of the Glen There are two paths, 
and to enjo> it fully one should go 
by one and return by 
the other. Continu- 
ing, we take the Syl- 
van Path, turning 
abruptly to the left 
above the Art Gal- 
lery, and follow the 
path winding down 
through the stately 
forest. We pause on 
Forest Cliff to enjoy 
the magnificent view 
down The Vista. 
From beneath the 
green sylvan arches 
we look down into 
the depths, with pic- 
turesque tree- clad 
cliffs on either hand. 
To the left, perched 
on a jutting crag, 
more than a hundred 
feet above the bed of 
the stream, we catch 
a glimpse of Hope's 
Art Gallery, and rus- 
tic arbor, mid their 
emerald surroundings , while beyond the tasteful structures the iron 




Km!^!MlJ5 ^^ ii'i^^^™^^i^?>W;^^i^^ 




VATKINS GLEN 



bridge spans the chasm, and the view finally dies away in the shadows 
of Whirlwind Gorge. Turning, we pursue our course, pausing oft to 
admire the mossy slopes that crown the chasm, and to gaze down 
upon Diamond Fall and all the wild surroundings of forest, rock and 
stream. 

Our walk through the woods gradually descends until we arc 
nearly on a level with the stream ; and here, in the rocks in all 
directions, are found the remains of the same kind of pools that are 
now seen in the bed of the stream. A word on the formation of these 
peculiar pools may not prove uninteresting to those who are not 
familiar with them. In the spring, when the stream is very high 
and the ice breaking up, large quantities of rock, boulders and gravel 
are carried down by the tremendous power of the water ; and some- 
times these boulders lodge in a natural seam in the rock, or in a curve 
in the bed of the stream, and are there whirled and rolled around, 
until, aided by the gravel that collects, they gradually grind out these 
basins or pools in the softer rock beneath. This process, going on for 
years, has worn some of them to an immense size and depth. In. 
some instances the boulders have been forced from their resting-places 
at the bottom of the pool, and carried away ; but in many instances, 
especially in the upper glens, they are still to be seen in the basins 
they have carved. The remains of these basins are, in many places, 
to be seen now, where the channel has deepened or changed and left 
them. 

Proceeding on our journey we see a succession of little rapids and 
cascades leaping into Sylvan Gorge, of which this is the upper termin- 
ation, called the 

SYLVAN RAPIDS, 

and they glide and dance very beautifully through their irregular rocky 
channel. At the head of the Sylvan Rapids a rustic bridge spans the 
stream, from which as we cross to the south side, we have a delightful 
bird's-eye view down through Sylvan Gorge, with its many windings 
and mysterious recesses. Below the bridge is the "Bath Tub," 
which will be readily recognized by its perfect resemblance to that 
necessary article. 






Looking 
upward we 
find our- 
selves in 




ENTRANCE TO CATHEDRAL 




l^^P ^ !'l^i^W'!?\'l■?flfi!f:'^fl')Pl^.TftfflWMm ft^ »^'lf'.1^'l'^"■^'lTi'l!Wi^ 



ff'f^. fffflfffi a 



vaTkins glen II 



Here the Glen is wider than at any other point ; the rocky walls tower 
to a great height — over three hundred feet — and are richly tapestried 
with mosses and clinging vines, and crowned with lofty pines and 
other evergreen trees. The floor is composed of a smooth and even 
surface of rock ; the vaulted arch of the sky forms the dome. In the 
upper end the 

CENTRAL CASCADE 

forms the Choir, and, as it dashes from rock to rock, sings continual 
hymns of praise to the Infinite Power that created this mighty temple. 
Alluding to the peculiar feelings inspired by this stupendous work of 
Nature, a friend who once visited it, said : " I have often reflected 
upon the insignificance of man, but never so fully realized what a mere 
atom I was in this incomprehensible universe, as when standing in this 
vast Cathedral and looking up its towering walls." 

Recrossing the stream we continue along the north bank, in the 
shade of immensely tall forest trees ; pausing midway for another look 
at the amber waters that spread over the level floor, and at Pulpit 
Rock that rears its stately head above its fellows. 

Situated near the upper end of the Cathedral is a large and beau- 
tiful pool, called the 

BAPTISMAL FONT. 

This is one of the most remarkable of these natural basins, singular 
for its regularity and the surpassing beauty of its form, and we are 
astonished, more than ever before, by the wonderful clearness and 
purity of the water, which, as the sun strikes into it, sparkles until it 
is fairly radiant. The smallest objects on the bottom are clearly dis- 
cernible in pools where the water is ten or fifteen feet deep, while its 
refracting and distorting powers are very great. We now ascend the 

GRAND STAIRCASE. 

about one hundred and seventy feet in height. Passing along on 
the cliff a few rods, we come to a short flight of stairs leading down 
to the 

VERANDA, 

descending which we obtain one of the finest views of the Central 

23 



Cascade at our feet. This fall of about sixty feet, is very beautiful, 
angular and irregular, yet symmetrical ; while far above, project- 
ing through 
the trees, is 
seen Pulpi 
Rock. Re 
ascending 
we find our- 
selves in th( 

GLENOFTHf 
POOLS. 

SO named 
from the 
number o 
rock basins 
it contains. 
Pursuing 
the path oi 
the north 
bank a shori 
distance tc 
a point di 
rectly ovei 
the Centra 
Cascade 
and lookini 
back dowi 
t h r o u g 
Glen Cath 
edral, wt 
have the 

POET'S 
DREAM, 

a truly mag- 
nificent scene. 




THE CATHEDRAL. 



We come now to another rustic bridge, below which 
24 




mi?I^^ ' ^^^^fflTA ' fiMmMW^M ' !^1^^^^'i|^J^^ ' ^ww 



HP vaTkins glen 



is the Mermaid's Pool, and looking up we have what has been appro- 
priately termed, the 

MATCHLESS SCENE, 

which view seems to combine within itself all the manifold beauties of 
the Glen. Broken and angular in its formation, rock and water, 
cascades and deep pools, winding channels and seething rapids, foliage 
and sky, all combine in a chaotic intermingling, yet form a harmonious 
and picturesque whole. As we proceed we are never tired of admiring 
the extreme beauty of the water ; and the sunlight shimmering down 
through the foliage strikes into the pools, waking their crystal depths 
into life ; while new' phases of magical beauty surprise us at every step, 
like the ever-varying changes in a kaleidoscope. 

Leaving this point we follow the path on the south bank, through 
this section of the Glen, employmg our time in examining the curious 
structure of the pools, one of which especially will be noticed, called 
the Horse Shoe. 

We now come to a little staircase on the south bank, by which 
we ascend to a more elevated path ; but before we do, we pass by it 
and a little further up the Glen, to obtain a fine view of the 

TRIPLE CASCADE AND RAINBOW FALLS. 

The Triple Cascade is deemed by many to be the finest in the 
Glen. As its name indicates, it is composed of three portions, one 
above another, each different in form from the others, and forming a 
beautiful combination. Directly opposite the Triple Cascade on the 
south side, a little brook leaps over the brow of a great cliff nearly 
four hundred feet high down into the Glen, trickling over the irregular 
surface of the rock until it reaches a point thirty feet above the foot- 
path, where it falls over a projecting shelf, the edge of which is curved 
outward in a crescent form. The water does not descend in a smooth 
sheet, but in a myriad of tiny threads and drops, forming a sparkling 
crystal veil, behind which our course leads. This novel cascade is 
known as Rainbow Falls. Beyond and above the Triple Cascade, 
spanning a narrow pass in the gorge, we see the Platform Staircase, 
while far above our heads on the north bank. Castle Cliff is seen 
through the trees. This section of the Glen of the Pools is called the 

25 




X" 




(.r M 



Giant's Gorge. We re 

turn to the little staircase 

before mentioned, an( 

.. ascend to the elevatec 

|! pathway, taking in nev 

views of the Triple Cas 

cade at every step, an( 

i' come to the 



RAINBOW FALL, 

behind which we pass. The space between the fall and the cliff is 
narrow, but sufficiently wide to allow free passage. While standing 
behind the fall and looking out through the misty curtain, the novelty 
of the position and the peculiar brilliancy that the radiant drops of 
falling water impart to everything viewed through them, fill us with 
wonder, and is beautiful beyond description. In the afternoon, from 
June to September, when fair weather prevails, the rays of the sun fall 
into the gorge, and the enraptured visitor, in looking through the veil, 
beholds two most beautiful rainbows, a primary and secondary ; a sight 
that, once enjoyed, can never be forgotten. 

We take a backward glance at Glen of the Pools and Matchless 
Scene, pa,ss the Triple Cascade, and under overhanging rocks come to 
a staircase leading to an inclined platform, called 

PLATFORM STAIRCASE. 

Here are seats which we find very welcome after our climb, and where 
we obtain a. fine retrospective view of the Glen of the Pools with its 
ragged gorges, and a more defined view of the Rainbow Fall, showing 
its course before taking its final leap, while below us lies E)iana's Bath, 
a clear, circular pool, nearly twenty feet deep. We are now to pass 
through 

SHADOW GORGE, 

in which portion of the Glen some of the most severe labor was per- 
formed, but its final accomplishment was a high compliment to the 
engineering skill of those who had it in charge. We leave the plat- 
form, ascend to and follow the path along the south cliff, where it is 
narrow and cut in the solid, rocky face of the cliff. It winds in and 
out, following the curves of the gorge, high above the water. We now 
see how appropriately this has been named the Shadow Gorge. The 
trees on the cliffs above are very high, and in many places almost meet 
overhead, and as the light strikes down through them their shadows 
are reproduced in the pools below, forming a combination of beautiful 
lights and shadows that surpass description. Here the stream seems a 
succession of basins connected by rapids and little falls, while ahea d of us 
is another rustic bridge spanning the stream, and a little|'beyond it is the 

27 



mmmm^ mm^mm^^T^^^yr r.r. mMw?^m^^'^fi ^^mMm mfiKm», 





VATKINS GLEN 



EMERALD POOL, 

one of the most beautiful of the basins ; very regular in form, bottom 




ARTIST'S DREAM. 

covered with gravel, and water of great purity and brilliance. Look- 

28 



^ ^MfMfsm ^^mfim mm\m^mmmAiMJ\'imMmmm7i ^^^m, 




VATKINS GLEN 



ing up the Glen, our journey seems about to come to a sudden termina- 
tion, shut off by a wall as regular as if composed of solid masonry, 
but as we cross the bridge and follow the pathway, we see on 
approaching that the Glen makes a sudden turn to the right, around this 



FROWNING CLIFF 



that appeared to obstruct our further progress. At this place the seams 
in the rock intersect each other at right angles, giving to the whole the 
effect of masonry. The corner formed by this cliff on the south side, 
conveys the idea of the work of human hands, and is named the 

PILLAR OF BEAUTY. 

Directly at the foot of this cliff is another large and very deep 
pool, the water in which is from twelve to fifteen feet deep, and as 
clear as crystal ; and as it passes under the sharp angle of the cliff, it 
mirrors in its pellucid depths an inverted picture of the frowning rocks 
and graceful foliage above. The mosses and ferns are here very fine. 
These cliffs mark the entrance to the section called 

GLEN ARCADIA, 

and it well deserves the name, for a more perfect Elysium cannot be 
imagined. The scene before us has been called 

THE ARTIST'S DREAM, 

where all the beauties of the other Glens, silver cascades and crystal 
pools, light and shadow, sharp angles and graceful curves, foliage, sky 
and rock, mingle and produce a picture that more resembles an ecstatic 
dream than anything that can elsewhere be found. The rocks do not 
here tower to such immense height, nor is the scenery so sublime as 
in some of the sections of the glens through which we have passed, 
but what is lost in grandeur is more than atoned for in the wild beauty 
of the scene. 

Our path now lies along the north cliff, on the rocky shelf some 
distance above the stream, where the water trickles from above, and 
runs down over the rocks in little streams. The gorge below us is 
known as the 

29 



fi¥i'?TO^?iTO!Wfi^i^ S 5 S?SSr^Hffl?i'if/;f,'^^*i'f T ^ 





I vaTkins glen 



NARROW PASS, 



and is full of 
interest, as 
the walls tow- 
er high on 
either side, 
and approach 
near togeth- 
er. After 
rounding an- 
other sharp 
curve, we are 
once more 
obliged to 
cross the 
stream by 
means of a 
bridge, and 
p r o c e e d 
along the 
south side, 
through the 
Narrow Pass, 
under shelv- 
i n g rocks 
that extend 
far out ovei 
our heads. 
Passing 
around an an- 
gle, we come 
in sight of 

PLUTO FALL, 

on which the 
rays of the 




ROW PASS. 




VATKINS GLEN 



sun never shine. It appears like a subterranean gallery, for the air is 
damp and cold, and the dashing and rumbling of the Fall, as it 
echoes through the pass, adds to the gloomy sublimity of the spot. 
As we draw near we ascend a short staircase crossing over the fall 
where we obtain a fine view of it, which is of singular beauty, and 
essentially different in form from any we have yet seen, as it tails into 
a dark, deep basin, and extends about thirty feet under the rock on 
the edge of the stream. We climb around the falls, and stop to take 
a farewell look at the Narrow Pass, or, as it is called when viewed from 
this point backward, the Spiral Gorge. 

Our course now lies along the north side to the head of Glen 
Arcadia, and the way is clear, though "wondrous crooked," before 
us. The rapids here are the most beautiful in all the Glen. The 
channel is tortuous, and, as in the Glen of the Pools, consists of a 
succession of curiously-carved basins connected by narrow rapids and 
cascades. The largest of these basins is called the 

POOL OF THE NYMPHS. 

Passing under the shelving rocks, we finally arrive at the head of 
the section, formed by the Arcadian Fall. This is a beautiful cascade, 
falling into a kind of natural grotto ; and at its foot is a beautiful 
basin. Near the head of this section a staircase leads to the north 
cliff, and a few rods of pathway bring us to another rustic bridge, 
thrown across the chasm directly above or over Arcadian Fall, for the 
purpose of giving visitors a fine rear view of Glen Arcadia, which, 
viewed from this romantic spot, is called 

ELFIN GORGE, 

and is a scene of rare and enchanting beauty. This bridge is the 
dividing l.ne between Glen Arcadia and 

GLEN FACILITY. 

the latter so called because of the comparative ease with which it may 
be explored, except in times of high water. The most important of 
the great natural beauties of the Glen terminate here, but many visitors 
go a short distance beyond, to see the magnificent new iron bridge of 
the Syracuse, Geneva & Corning Railway Co., which spans the Glen 

31 




fflHlHl waTkins glen , 

at a height of 165 feet above the water, and well worth a visit. 

We have passed through two and a half miles ; are six hundred feet 

above our starting point, and being satisfied with an endless change 
and variety of scenery, enter 

GLEN HORICON, 

half a mile above Elfin Gorge, and beyond the railroad bridge above 
mentioned, which consists of a large basin or amphitheatre, containing 
some twelve or fifteen acres with steep wooded banks, several hundred 
feet high, broken into curves and promontories, the lower level of 
which is a barren " pathway of the floods," and the whole a picture of 
commingled grandeur and solitude. Just beyond is a winding, rocky 
gorge, terminating in a vast area called 

GLEN ELYSIUM, 

because of its natural beauties of water, lawn and grove, and its sus- 
ceptibility of being made one of the most attractive and delightful 
pleasure grounds imaginable. It is nearly a half mile long, and one- 
fourth of a mile wide, containing within its lofty, sloping banks, nearly 
fifty acres, filled with cozy rural retreats, carpeted with grasses and 
mosses, overlooked by giant trees, and graced and adorned with a 
wondrous variety of foliage. 

After leaving Glen Elysium, we come to Omega Falls — the last — 
and beyond this fall, which is one of the most complicated and beauti- 
ful in the series, 

GLEN OMEGA 

stretches westward for half a mile or more, till it opens out in the 
" hill country " like a great fan ; and the Glen comes to an end more 
than three miles from its beginning at the entrance of Glen Alpha. 

After a quiet rest, we start on our return, taking it leisurely, and 
stopping frequently to admire the numberless beauties that escaped us 
on our ascent. And, we may here say, that the Glen is so extensive, 
and the beauties so varied that one may make many visits, and yet 
each time find new features that he had not hitherto observed. Some- 
times a difference of a few feet in a position will materially alter the 
outline of a picture. It is frequently the case that the visitor more 

33 



^^ ' VATKINS GLEN fflPS 



fully realizes and appre- 
ciates the extent, sublimity 
and grandeur of the Glen, 
after he has twice accom- 
plished its ascent. We stop 
a few minutes to look with 
wonder down into the grand 
old Cathedral, and after 
descending the staircase, 
passing through the Cath- 
edral, and retracing the 
winding path through the 
woods, we finally find our- 
selves again at the Swiss 
Chalet. It is a most wel- 
come spot, and its refresh- 
ments are very acceptable. 
Here can be obtained the 
best selection of Stereo- 
scopic Views, of Watkins 
and Havana Glens, by 
eminent artists, which are 
faithful copies of the most 
striking points of interest, 
and enable the tourist, on 
returning home, to keep in 
vivid remembrance the 
many pleasant associations 
connected with his ^visit. 
Here visitors can find many 
little souvenirs to take with 
them to the eager, expect- ^ 
ing ones at home, and they 
are advised to avail themselves of the oppor- 
tunity of securing some memento of Watkins 





34 



mmY^^m ? iW s mMmmm^mmllm^v^VA^mmm'm!^mm^ ^f mf^ 



i VATKINS GLEN 



Glen. Crossing to the south side under cover of the Iron Suspension 

Bridge we come to the Glen Mountain House again. 

We notice near the south end of the bridge, a sign-board on 

which we read 

"to the summit." 

Our wonder is excited, and not wishing to miss any of the beau- 
tiful surroundings of this wonderful place, thitherward we bend our 
steps ; and by a winding and continually ascending path passing 
through a beautiful wood, we arrive at 

THE SUMMIT, 

which well deserves the name, as it is the highest point in the vicinity, 
and commands a fine view of the lake and surrounding country for 
nearly thirty miles. Another path brings us back by a nearer route to 
the Glen Mountain House, when if not too wearied, we continue our 
enjoyable explorations, but not by the path we came ; because another 
■is recommended as promising fresh beauties. 

Instead of returning by the Long Staircase, through the Glen, 
from the Swiss Cottage we take the, path that bears to the left, along 
the slope of the hill, called Cliff Avenue, or one bearing to the north, 
directly behind the Swiss Cottage, called "To the Observatory." 
The former leads us through beautiful groves, and affords us occasional 
glimpses into the dizzy depths of Glen Alpha. The roar of the cas- 
, cades, and the cool vapors arising from them, reach us even at this 
height. 

The latter enables us to climb to the summit of 

TABLE MOUNTAIN, 

as it is called, where we sit down to rest beneath the stunted ever- 
greens that grow upon the brow of the mountain, at the little " Obser- 
vatory Building," and gaze with mingled delight and amazement at 
the scene before us. For miles the valley lies spread out like a map 
at our feet, forming a perfect picture, and certainly one of the most 
magnificent and soul-entrancing scenes that we ever beheld, and which 
leaves a lasting impression on every beholder. Directly below us lies 
the village of Watkins, with its shaded avenues, its beautiful churches, 

35 



VATKINS GLEN 



public buildings, etc., while at the wharf lie several steamers and a 
variety of small craft, for Seneca Lake has quite an extensive and 
increasing commerce. 

We regret very much to leave our elevated position and descend 
to the lower world, but after a refreshing rest from our delightful 
rambles, and reviewing the truly splendid panoramic scene below us, 
and gaining new strength from the pure breezes that sweep the lake, 
we return to our comfortable quarters at the Glen Mountain House, to 
rest, and write to our friends to come and do likewise. 

There are a number of delightful drives in the neighborhood of 
Watkins Glen, also excursions upon the lake, that offer tempting in- 
ducements. One of the drives leads from Watkins Glen to Havana, 
and still further up the valley. It lies along the level plain on the 
west side of the valley, under precipitous hills and frowning cliffs on 
the one side, and the beautiful valley, with its border of hills, on the 
other. The road is hard and smooth, and margined with trees and 
shrubbery. At one point, near Havana, a lit-tle brook falls about one 
hundred feet over the edge of the cliff, called Aunt Sarah's Fall (after 
an old Indian woman who formerly lived there), making a very fine 
cascade. There is a little niche in the face of the rock, near the verge 
of the fall, in which, an ancient legend says, great treasures were 
hidden. This whole district, lying around the lake, was once the 
hunting-grounds of the Seneca Indians. In accordance with the 
manifest destiny of the race to which they belonged, they have all 
passed away, leaving naught behind them save their mouldering bones 
(many of which, with theii; rude implements of war, clubs, tomahawks, 
scalping-knives, beads, ancient French coins, Jesuitical crosses, little 
brass camp-kettles, arrow-heads, etc., are annually exhumed on both 
sides of the Glen Creek, a short distance east of the entrance to the 
amphitheatre), and their strange and poetic legends, preserved and 
handed down to the present. Almost every spot has some historical 
interest, and with very many of the localities are associated some of 
those wild imaginative tales of the wars, loves or wrongs of that race 
which is fast becoming extinct. These legends clothe their scenes 
with a deep interest. 

36 



Continuing about one and a half miles beyond the pretty little 
village of Havana, eastward is Havana Glen, not so extensive as 
Watkins, but very interesting and well deserving a visit, as it possessts 
many curious and remarkable attractions. Another equally beautiful 
and interesting drive, across by the head of Seneca Lake and its 
eastern shore, is to Hector Falls, where a fine body of water is pre- 
cipitated by foaming torrents, cascades, and rapids from a height of 
nearly four hundred feet into the valley, whence it rushes off to rest in 
the mighty depths of the lake. 

Omnibusses, and easy-riding carriages, with careful and intelligent 
drivers, can always be obtained at the Glen Mountain House, at rates 
so reasonable as to induce all who have the time to avail themselves 
of the opportunity to see it. 

And we would respectfully, but urgently, recommend a trip over 
Seneca Lake, from Watkins to Geneva and return, in one of the S. L. S. 
Navigation Co.'s palatial steamers. Six trips over the lake daily 
(three times each way), enables parties to leave morning, noon, and 
evening. The officers are very polite, spare no pains to interest their 
passengers, make them comfortable, and render their voyage pleasant. 

The scenery along the shores of this beautiful body of water vies 
with any found in this country. To the north, the lake stretches away 
as far as the eye can reach, with the sky and clouds mirrored upon its 
bright blue surface ; the hills sweep back from the lake in graceful 
undulations, the picturesque little hamlets and villages clinging to their 
sides, and nestling in the valleys ; while back from the water still 
further, miles of well-tilled farms meet the view ; and on the rising 
slopes many flourishing vineyards appear, from the product of which 
large quantities of excellent wine, in great variety, is manufactured 
and sold annually. 




MH^U-S:'^ 



EN ROUTE the professor lectured on the botany of the Glen, 
declaring that, except in an artificial conservatory, he had 
never seen so great a variety in one locality. Many of tlie 
plants found here are exotic in this region outside ; and the growth 
embraces a climatic range from Labrador to the Carolinas. 

" But as we crossed a narrow foot-bridge, all eyes were lifted 
upward, while the handfuls of innocent fresh-gathered flowers were 
cast carelessly into the rushing current of forgetfulness. We stood at 
the entrance of the Cathedral ; and from the consideration of micro- 
cosmic infinity, our minds were suddenly turned to a scene of infinite 
grandeur. 

"This is, by common consent, the most striking view in the 
Glen ; and it is certainly very impressive and emotional, with its 
towering cliffs, its broad flag stone flooring, its transparent, glassy 
pools, reflecting the blue heavens and .the overhanging sunlit trees ; 
its flashing water-fall, like a high altar, adorning its upper extremity ; 
its shelving strata, supported by gigantic caryatides, weird mimicry of 
the sculptor's art. 

"But why waste words? The artist has already pointed his 
crayons, selected his point of view, and assumed the task of description. 

" He says the view is grand, open, charming ; but not so astound- 
ing and impressive nor so picturesque as some others. But this is not 

38 




mi^'.mi^*^r.i!mmmM »' ^m'Mm\mmiim 




VATKINS GLEN 11 

" T^ MiV^r.v^f,v.i,V',!i',!,' K^ VrrnT^'TTi t ■ 1 1 ■ 

the age for new dogmas, even in matters of taste ; and we magnani- 
mously invite each visitor to see for himself, and enjoy his own 
opinions. 

" This picture finished, we move on, crossing more streams and 
climbing more stairways. From this bridge, just at the head of the 
Cathedral Fall, we may pause and look back and have one of the 
most characteristic views of water-carved rocks and boiling waters in 
the Glen. 

" The main stream descends in a perspective of sparkling cas- 
cades, uniting a succession of circular pools in deep stone basins or 
wells, grooved and polished like finely-wrought marble. On either 
side the cliffs rise to a towering height, showing rock entablatures, 
with architrave, frieze, and cornice, as clean cut and well proportioned 
as those of a Grecian temple. Over these come pouring adventurous 
streamlets from "the upper world, like a shower of light aqueous 
meteors darting downward into the gloom. 

"At every turn there is material for a wonderful picture, and 
when our time is limited it is difficult to make a selection. Still for- 
ward, as we wind around a shelving path that gives a dry passage 
under the water-fall on the left. Beyond there is still a mile or more 
to be explored, full of curious and pretty things ; but we have climbed 
so many ladders, steps, and stairways, that we must be approaching 
the level of the upper world ; indeed, the diminished height of the 
cliffs indicates this sufficiently." — Extract from Porte Crayon's Illus- 
trated Article in Harper' s Mo?ithly for June, 187 1. 

"I am not going to attempt a minute description of this really 
wonderful natural curiosity, suddenly become so famous. Scores of 
tourists are doing it. Porte Crayon has made it his own. And, after 
all, it is indescribable, ' unpaintable.' The word ' Glen ' gives but a 
faint idea of the gorge. It is a marvelous rift in the mountain, which 
it seems must have been made by some stupendous earthquake-shock. 
The Glen, with its dashing, flashing, cascading stream, reminds me of 
several famous gorges and water-falls. It suggests Vaucluse in the 
pellucid clearness and sparkle of the water. But, instead of the dreary, 

39 



vaTkins glen 

blasted heights above ' Petrarch's Fountain,' we have variegated, 
mossy, ferny rocks, the most lush and lovely foliage and wild flowers 
in profusion. It faintly suggests the somber, magnificent Pass of the 
Finstermunz, in the Tyrol, but is infinitely brighter and more varied. 
It suggests Trenton Falls, but is wilder and deeper. Most of all it 
suggests Bash-bish, in old Berkshire — it is indeed very like it, but is 
yet more picturesque and perilous. It is not properly a glen, but a 
prodigious succession, a full assortment and variety of glens. If one 
does not satisfy you, another must ; though you be the most rapacious 
devourer of the sublime and beautiful, 'here's richness' for you. 
Through the boldest Yankee enterprise, these wild grandeurs and 
beauties, for centuries barred and buried from the world, have been 
thrown open to our gaze, and it is no wonder that the tides of travel 
are setting toward it from all directions, that hundreds daily climb its 
dizzy stairways, pick their way along its narrow ledges, dodge under 
its little side cascades, watch for rainbows beside its water-falls, gaze 
down into its profound, mysterious pools, and speculate on its won- 
derful formation. We go leagues out of the way, in foreign travel, to 
see things far less worth seeing, like Tivoli and Velino, Lodore, 
Glencoe, the Killarney cascades, the Vale of Avoca, the Dargle, and 
the Devil's Glen of Wicklow. The 'Pools' are a great curiosity in 
themselves. They are smooth, round, regular excavations, gigantic 
bowls, and are always brimming with crystal clear water. So near to 
these pools does the narrow path lead in some places, that a single 
false step would inevitably cost you a cold plunge. 

" The Glen is one of Nature's reservoirs of eternal coolness. In 
its shadowy recesses, beside its emerald waters, you forget even the 
fierce heats of July and August, hundreds of feet above you. 

" But, I am told it is seen in its utmo'st beauty in October, when 
the wild gorge with its wonderful variety of delicate foliage is brimmed 
with the most gorgeous colors, depth on depth of splendor." — Extract 
from Grace Greenwood' s Article in the New York Tribune, i8yo. 

"At every bend within its rock-bound walls, new and varied 
scenery greets the eye, each view unsurpassed of its kind, yet no two 

40 



Pffiffi; 



a^j^ft^Mffi MWWWfftfflfflfftfflfflft^fflfi^ffl-MWHtWiJi?? 



VATKINSGLEN ig]gl| 



alike. Cascade after cascade, set like gems amid the gray old rocks, 
are continually telling you welcome, if your imagination can interpret 
the language of ' laughing waters.' 

" Far above these cascades and rapids, the rock walls tower to 
the height of from one to three hundred feet, while in many places 
the branches of the trees above them intermingle across the chasm, 
through which the autumn sunlight finds its way, filling the rock- 
bound passages with fantastic shadows." — Ebnira Advertiser. 

" Watkins has a rare natural attraction in the wooded glen of a 
strearn, which here falls some four hundred feet in less than a mile 
(and nearly double that number in two) from the higher level on the 
west, to the valley of the lake. This fall is made by a succession of 
leaps or cascades, into pools or basins of varying depth and magnitude, 
separated by stretches of swift bright water, and overhung by the dark 
overgreens which mainly compose the all-embracing forest, which the 
sun irradiates but few hours per day. We judge this to be the finest 
succession of cataracts iu'our State. The cool seclusion of the Glen, 
with the marvels and beauties it reveals, will be long enshrined in the 
heart of the visitor." — N. Y. Tribune. 

" Its succession of high bluff" walls, with its 'towering cliffs, and 
beetling crags,' its clear and crystalline pools, varying in depth, size 
and form, its many silvery cascades and narrow channels through the 
solid rock, its labyrinthine passages, shadowy grottoes and miniature 
caves, its woody margins, and ever-changing floral charms, have given 
us one of the most varied, wild, weird, and delightful sights of our 
lives. We advise all lovers of the beautiful and romantic in natural 
scenery, to visit Watkins Glen, believing that they will derive the 
same pleasure from an acquaintance with its wonderful scenic attrac- 
tions that we have this day enjoyed." — Watkins Democrat. 

" The Glen Mountain House is about three hundred feet in alti- 
tude above the entrance to the Glen, and about one-quarter of the 
way up to the highest point, and the view of the scenery from this 




mi tmifi'MMm ^. 



miV,miy^Y.\''^.MM^! Mfmj ^^^ 



VATKINS GLEN 



house is most magnificent and grand. To appreciate the Glen, one 
must see and pass through all its windings, climb its crags, and go 
from rock to rock ; otherwise description seems commonplace and tame. 
'* This remarkable wonder of nature has now become so widely 
known, and so highly appreciated, that it confessedly ranks among 
the first-class attractions of the country. The number of people visiting 
it during this season is literally immense. They come from all parts 
of the nation, though the States most largely represented are New 
York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Among the names on the register 
may be found almost daily those of men of well-known prominence in 
the country." — Elmira Advertiser. • 





VAT KINS SLEN 



^^ffi^^ffi^^ffi^^^^^fflffi^s^^^sii 



X i'T I I'l' X xiiilifiai 



.^^HE pure air of this mountainous region has proved so conducive 
\(^)) to health, and especially for nervousness and sleeplessness is 
this delicious tonic accompanied by the lullably of the water- 
falls in the "Glen" such a healthful soporific, that an enchanting 
" haven of rest " called the "Glen Mountain House" (erectf'd in 
1872 at an elevation of 300 feet above the village), has been greatly 
enlarged, and its capacity so increased that 300 guests can be com- 
fortably accommodated within its walls. (See next page.) It is 
lighted throughout with gas, possesses all the modern conveniences 
found in any first-class summer hotel, and is the only Hotel con- 
nected with, or in the immediate vicinity of Watkins Glen. 

Great attention has been paid to sanitary regulations ; the drainage 
is excellent ; an abundance of pure spring water for all purposes ; 
and everything in and about the house and grounds, is kept scrupulously 
clean and neat. 

A pleasing and satisfactory feature connected with the romantic 
location of this Hotel is, the novelty of situation of the dining-room, 
which is in a Swiss Chalet (such as is found among the mountams, 
lakes and glens of Switzerland) across the Glen from the hotel, 
whereby all unpleasant odors arising from cooking, noise and con- 
fusion occasioned by servants, and heat from ranges and ovens, are 
wholly avoided, rendering the Glen Mountain House one of the 
most delightfully cool and pleasantly situated summer hotels in the 
United States. 

To protect guests from sun and storm, there is a beautiful and 
substantial (covered) iron bridge connecting the buildings. 

Among other important improvements, is a building apart from the 
hotel known as Amusement Hall where music, dancing, and all 
rational amusements can be enjoyed, while those who desire rest and 
quiet are not disturbed. 

Season Tickets, which include admission to Watkins Glen, 
Dining-room, and Hope's Art Gallery, are furnished to all who have 
rooms at the Glen Mountain House, at a cost of "single admis- 
sion," which enables them to visit the " Glen," either upper or 
lower, AT pleasure, without the fatigue occasioned by the necessity 



43 



vaTkins glen 



5^gg,? 



m 



of doing the whole of it one time, or going over the same ground 
twice. 

This "SPECIAL privilege" is only enjoyed by those above-men- 
tioned ; visitor:; registered elsewhere are charged fifty cents for each 

ADMISSION. 

Omnibusses and easy-riding carriages are always in waiting to 
convey passengers to the Glen Mountain House. 

Special rates made for parties; beautifully illustrated circulars, and 
further information, furnished upon application to the Proprietor. 




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